Professional teeth whitening is one of the best investments you can make in your smile. In Honolulu, HI, professional in-office teeth whitening costs approximately $500 to $1,000.

Benefits of Professional Teeth Whitening

Improve Self-Confidence

You may feel self-conscious about sharing your smile if you have stained or discolored teeth. The confidence boost you receive from teeth whitening can positively impact you both personally and professionally.

Reverse Signs of Aging

As we age, our teeth naturally turn yellow. Over time, the enamel breaks down to reveal the dentin, the yellowish material underneath. Whitening can create a more youthful smile.

Lasting Results

If you properly care for your teeth, in-office teeth whitening can last as long as one to three years.

How Teeth Whitening Works

Professional teeth whitening uses a strong hydrogen or carbamide peroxide solution. Peroxide temporarily opens the tooth's pores, penetrating the surface and oxidizing stains.

Whitening Procedures We Offer

In-Office Whitening

The first step in an in-office whitening procedure is choosing the shade you want to achieve. Your dentist can brighten your teeth by up to eight shades per appointment.

Next, the dentist protects your gums and lips from the whitening solution. They may use a retractor, a dental dam, or a protective coating.

The dentist applies the whitening solution, allowing it to work for about fifteen minutes. Generally, the dentist repeats the treatment two or three times during the appointment, rinsing between each step.

To finish the process, the dentist applies a fluoride solution to help seal the pores and reduce sensitivity.

Take-Home Whitening

Take-home whitening produces more gradual results. The treatment works on your schedule, so you do not have to make extra dental visits.

The dentist provides an at-home version of whitening gel and custom trays. You will fill the trays with the solution and wear them as prescribed, usually once daily for three to four weeks.

Aftercare for Teeth Whitening

Avoid darkly pigmented foods and drinks for the first 48 hours after teeth whitening, as well as acidic foods. Many patients avoid these products for an entire week after a whitening procedure.

How to Help Your Teeth Stay White

• Brush and floss as recommended, according to your regular schedule
• Wait 30 minutes after eating to brush
• Use toothpaste made for sensitive teeth
• Avoid toothpaste and mouthwash with dyes
• Rinse with water after eating

Frequently Asked Questions About Teeth Whitening

Can I get my teeth whitened if they are sensitive?

Tell your dentist before whitening if your teeth are sensitive. They may be able to adjust the procedure to maximize your comfort.

Are over-the-counter whitening products just as good as professional products?

Over-the-counter products sold in grocery stores and pharmacies are generally safe but work very slowly. On the other hand, whitening gels purchased online are often far too strong to use without professional supervision, leading to gum damage and extreme sensitivity.

Call Queens Crown Dental

If you dream of a brighter smile, we can help. Please call our Honolulu, HI, office at 808-526-2800 to schedule a consultation.

Many patients feel excited when they receive professional teeth whitening treatments. They may have felt self-conscious about yellow, stained teeth and finally feel like they can smile.

Aftercare is one of the most critical steps after a professional whitening treatment. Whether you treat your teeth well after your procedure will influence how long the results last.

Tips for Choosing The Right Toothpaste

Choose a Formula for Sensitive Teeth

In the two to three days following your whitening procedure, your teeth may experience strong sensitivity. Your dentist can recommend the most helpful toothpaste for your needs.

Avoid Toothpaste with Dyes

The teeth are porous in the days after whitening and may absorb color from brightly-hued toothpaste. Avoid using any toothpaste that is not white.

Use a Whitening Toothpaste

After your teeth rehydrate and settle, use whitening toothpaste to keep them bright. Your dentist can help you find a product that meets your needs, especially if you have sensitive teeth.

The Professional Teeth Whitening Process

Our practice offers two different whitening methods that both show excellent results.

In-Office Bleaching

First, the dentist uses a rubber shield or gel to protect the gums from the strong carbamide peroxide solution. The dentist applies the whitening solution and uses a unique light to activate it. In-office bleaching provides fast, dramatic results, often in just one visit.

At-Home Bleaching

At-home bleaching is gentler and more gradual. This method may be more appropriate for patients experiencing tooth sensitivity. The dentist takes an impression and creates a custom whitening tray. According to the dentist's instructions, the patient fills the tray with gel and wears it for a set amount of time each day.

Additional Guidelines For Patients with Professionally Whitened Teeth

• Avoid colorful foods and beverages like coffee, black tea, red wine, tomatoes, soy sauce, and turmeric
• Brush carefully at least twice a day for a full two minutes, using a whitening toothpaste after the first few days
• Keep up with a regular flossing routine every day to avoid stains from plaque build-up between teeth

Frequently Asked Questions About Teeth Whitening

Is teeth whitening bad for your teeth?

When supervised by a professional, teeth whitening does not harm the teeth or gums. Avoid over-the-counter products unless they are from established brands, as these products may have too much active solution and cause gum issues and excess sensitivity.

Why can't I drink coffee after teeth whitening?

You must cut highly pigmented food and beverages from your diet for at least the first few days, as the teeth are more porous after whitening. Beverages like coffee will stain your teeth yellow or brown. After the teeth return to normal, you can have pigmented drinks again, but you should brush as soon as possible afterward.

Call Queens Crown Dental

Call us for guidance if you want whiter teeth but don't know where to start. We can meet in our Honolulu, HI, office and help you decide between in-office and at-home teeth whitening.

Caring for your teeth after the procedure determines how long your white teeth can go between sessions. Ensure that you follow your dentist's instructions to protect your brighter smile.

Teeth whitening is one of the most popular cosmetic dental procedures. Your tooth enamel gradually dulls and develops a yellow tint over time due to the foods and beverages you consume as well as a general thinning of the enamel due to age. Professional whitening treatments can remove stains and whiten your teeth to give you a brighter smile. 

After whitening treatment you want to keep your teeth looking white for as long as possible, but eating and drinking certain things may ruin your results. Your teeth may also be a little extra sensitive. Here’s what to eat after getting your teeth whitened and what not to eat. 

Foods and Beverages That Are Safe After Teeth Whitening 

The following foods and beverages are best after teeth whitening to keep your teeth looking white: 

Beverages: 

• Water
• Clear juice 
• Sparkling water
• Milk
• Milk substitutes
• Clear alcohol
• White wine 
• Clear soft drinks 

Foods: 

• Fish
• Chicken
• Tofu
• White rice
• White bread
• White pasta
• White cheese
• White yogurt 
• Light colored fruits and vegetables

You probably noticed a color theme with these foods and beverages. Anything white is good to eat or drink if you want to maintain your results. 

Foods and Beverages to Avoid 

It is best to avoid the following foods and beverages if you want to maintain your teeth whitening results: 

Beverages: 

• Coffee
• Tea
• Red wine
• Red grape juice
• Dark colored soft drinks
• Bright colored soft drinks
• Colored drinks like kool aid or fruit punch
• Sports drinks with dyes 
• Energy drinks 

Foods: 

• Candy with artificial dyes
• Chocolate, especially dark chocolate
• Tomato sauce
• Soy sauce
• Dark colored berries (blackberries, blueberries, raspberries, cherries, pomegranates)
• Foods with artificial dyes 

Some foods and beverages contain natural teeth staining ingredients, but artificial coloring is even more likely to stain your teeth. Extremely hot or cold foods and beverages may also cause sensitivity after whitening treatment. 

What if I Can’t Avoid These Foods and Beverages?

If you feel like certain items on the list of foods and beverages to avoid will be too difficult for you to live without, the next best thing is to clean your teeth immediately after consumption. At the very least, rinse your mouth out with water after eating or drinking. If possible, brush your teeth immediately after you eat or drink something that could stain your teeth. 

Additional Tips For Keeping Your Teeth White

In addition to mindful eating and drinking, there are other ways to prolong your teeth whitening results: 

• Avoid smoking. Smoking is known to stain teeth a yellow or brown color over time. Avoiding smoking altogether will help you keep your teeth whiter, not to mention healthier. 
• Avoid chewing tobacco. Chewing tobacco tends to stain the teeth yellow or brown. It also contributes to poor oral health. 
• Keep your teeth clean. Brush your teeth at least twice a day to remove plaque and keep your tooth enamel strong. When plaque builds up on the teeth it attracts stains. And as your enamel weakens and thins it appears more yellow. 
• Go to the dentist every 6 months. Have your teeth professionally cleaned every 6 months by your dentist. This can help remove plaque and stains. 
• Get an at-home touch-up kit. Some teeth whitening treatments come with a touch-up kit to use at home between in-office treatments. If not, ask your dentist to recommend a product for use at home. 

Where Can I Get Teeth Whitening Treatment?

If you want a whiter smile, Queens Crown Dental provides teeth whitening treatment. We offer both in-office and take-home whitening treatments so you can choose which option you would prefer. Both treatments are effective and offer long lasting results. 

Call 808-526-2800 or contact us today to learn more and schedule an appointment.

Would you like to have a whiter smile? It's normal for teeth to become discolored over time, often developing a yellow tint that can make them look dull. If this has happened to your teeth, you may wonder what’s the best way to whiten them. 

There are a wide variety of whitening products available in stores and online that promise to give you a whiter smile. There are also professional teeth whitening treatments your dentist can provide. When comparing the two, you’ll notice that professional teeth whitening costs more. But it is worth the cost for many reasons. 

Benefits of Professional Teeth Whitening 

There are many benefits of professional teeth whitening treatment: 

• Effective. Whitening products available in stores and online, such as toothpastes and strips, may whiten your teeth a shade or two, but most likely won’t give you noticeable results. Professional teeth whitening treatments that are provided by your dentist can give you a significantly whiter smile you’ll see right away. 
• Lasting results. The results of professional teeth whitening treatment can last anywhere from 1-3 years on average, and even longer with regular touch-ups at home. Over the counter products may cost less up front, but you’ll likely find that you have to repeat the treatment more frequently to maintain your results. The cost of buying more and more of these whitening products can add up, making professional treatment the more affordable option after all. 
• Gentle on teeth. Professional teeth whitening products contain carbamide peroxide, a bleaching agent that is capable of removing stains and discoloration from your teeth without harming your enamel. Many over the counter whitening products contain abrasive materials like baking soda and even charcoal that are capable of wearing down your tooth enamel. If you have sensitive teeth already, you’ll find that professional teeth whitening won’t increase sensitivity. 

Types of Professional Teeth Whitening Treatment

Professional teeth whitening treatment comes in two forms:

• In-office. This is typically a one time treatment your dentist will apply to your teeth in the office. A protective guard or gel will be applied to your gums to protect them from irritation from the bleaching agent. The whitening treatment containing carbamide peroxide is applied to the teeth and a special light is used to activate and accelerate the bleaching process. You’ll have dramatically whiter teeth in just one treatment. 
• At-home. A custom tray will be created to fit your teeth that you’ll use to apply the bleaching agent. This ensures even distribution of the bleaching agent and greater comfort while whitening. You’ll apply the bleaching agent once a day for a week or two until you achieve the desired shade of white. This process is more gradual and easier to customize. 

Choosing between these two options ultimately depends on your personal preference. If you want a quick one time treatment, in-office whitening would be better for you. If you would rather whiten your teeth from the comfort of your home, at-home whitening would be the better choice. 

Queens Crown Dental Provides Whitening Treatment 

We provide both in-office and at-home whitening treatment for your convenience. Whether you would prefer to have your teeth professionally whitened by your dentist or on your own, professional treatments are still more effective than anything you can purchase over the counter or online. Before attempting any teeth whitening treatment, it is best to have the health of your teeth evaluated by your dentist to ensure that teeth whitening is safe for you. 
To learn more, call 808-526-2800 or contact us today to schedule an appointment.